#34 White Fungus: The poor man's bird nest

A friend cooked this during one of our gatherings and I so fell in lurrvve with it! This cooling and refreshing dessert is not only perfect for our hot Singapore weather, it is also nutritious, helps improve blood circulation and strengthen our respiratory system. Whatever benefits bird's nest claims to have, this humble fungus have them too and at a much cheaper price. Most importantly, the whole family love it. 


White Fungus and Papaya Soup Recipe
Ingredients
1 White fungus 
1 small Papaya (Cut into big pieces)
2 tbsp southern chinese almond (南杏, which is in fact apricot kernel)
1 tbsp northern chinese almond (北杏) (This is slightly bitter so do not add in too much)
1 piece of rock sugar
About 8 red dates (Pitted) 
2 liter water


Preparation: 

1. Soak white fungus in water for about 30 minutes. Using a pair of scissors, cut away the dark yellow hard centre of the fungus. Cut the rest of the fungus into smaller pieces.
2. Boil water, add in fungus pieces, papaya, red dates and almonds. Bring to a boil and then simmer (with lid partially closed) for 40 minutes. Add rock sugar and continue simmering for 10 minutes. Serve chilled.

When buying white fungus, try not to get those that are too white as they could have been chemically treated. White fungus and chinese almonds can be bought at chinese medical halls or chinese markets.